Summer's on the way!

I was lucky enough to be sent some gorgeous accessories by East Clothing, whilst I was in Byron Bay in March. Just as the weather turned to Autumn, literally overnight, my amazing photographer Charlotte Coker, of A Beautiful Weirdo, and I hit the beach in wind lashing weather to do our best. I am thrilled with the results and I hope you like them too.

More importantly, I hope it gives you some great ideas on how to style up your holiday outfits with some very affordable and colourful accessories so you can hit that beach looking a million dollars.

I found this gorgeous two piece 50's style bikini in my favourite retro/vintage shop in Byron, Trash, for just $28. (Actually it only cost me $10 because I had sold some clothes! I love this re-cycling, pre-loved game.)

And how well does it go with the stunning East Karina Print Scarf, worn as a sarong and costing just £25. Double whammy: pack huge scarves, wear them round your neck, as a shawl, round your head or as a sarong & you could almost get away with carry on baggage!

The vintage shirt below is another buy from Trash. It went so well with my old jean shorts from Boden that I just had to have it! But the pink layered beaded necklace, £22 from East, has added that little extra zing that I think really completes the look.

BTW, I  bought that body board I'm sitting on for $5 in a charity shop, or op shop as they're called in Australia and elsewhere.  Never underestimate the bargains you can find by a regular root around!

Vintage shirt, vintage sunglasses, retro two piece & a pink necklace from East to complete the look. I'm ready for the beach!

There's always room for a little clutch bag and I was really happy with this East embroidered pyramid pouch, only £15, and just the ticket for keeping the sand off a smart phone, lippie and bits and pieces for the beach.

My pretty top was another Aussie buy this time from Jaase, a company aimed at a much younger shopper.  It quickly became my very favourite for the entire 4 months because it was the coolest top to wear in that extreme heat, and it covered my arms.  I can't remember how much it cost, but it was a cheapie and a goodie!

Finally, during a Food, Fashion & Fun filled few days in Melbourne, I found yet another perfect swimsuit. Part of the Esther Williams bathers collection, it is designed by Esther Williams' grandson in California. These swimsuits are available all over the world and are the most flattering I have come across in a long time keeping all the bits that stick out, tucked in! They're made for real women.  For those too young to remember, Esther Williams was a movie star legend and invented synchronised swimming. 

But back to the accessories. We've dressed the swimmies up with a gorgeous grey/blue, silk bandhini scarf, £45 and the ombre seed beed necklace, for £22, both from East and really glamming up the whole look. Add some wacky sunglasses & some bangles and you're ready to stylishly fit in at any Californian poolside.

Love my Esther Williams swimsuit, for any age & body type. Fabulous accessories from East Clothing.

There's always room in your suitcase for sunglasses, necklaces, bangles, scarves and a clutch bag or two so when you're thinking about packing for your summer hols, bear accessories like these in mind to style up your holiday clothes, and you'll need less. It's amazing what a scarf or colourful beads can do to an outfit isn't it? (Thank you East, I loved receiving my colourful delivery the other side of the world. It was like Christmas again! And I've brought them all home to wear this summer!)

Let me know what you think, I love hearing from you, and PLEASE don't forget to tag your social media photos of any fab outfits you're wearing #vintageladyvintagestyle.

See you soon, take care,

Can't wait for summer!